OF SELBORNE. 
169 
frequently fall down cliimnies, perhaps in attempting to get at 
thefe neftlings. 
The fwallow lays from four to fix white eggs, dotted with red 
fpecks ; and brings out her firft brood about the laft week in JunCf 
or the firfh week in July, The progreffive method by which the 
young are introduced into life is very amufing : firft, they emerge 
from the fhaft with difficulty enough, and often fall down into the 
rooms below: for a day or fo they are fed on the chimney- top, 
and then are condudled to the dead leaflefs bough of fome tree, 
where, fitting in a row, they are attended with great afiiduity, and 
may then be called perchers. In a day or two more they become 
flyers, but are ftill unable to take their own food; therefore they 
play about near the place where the dams are hawking for flies ; 
and, when a mouthful is coUefted, at a certain fignal given, the dam 
and the neftling advance, rifing towards each other, and meeting 
at an angle ; the young one all the while uttering fuch a little 
quick note of gratitude and complacency, that a perfon muft have 
paid very little regard to the wonders of Nature that has not often 
remarked this feat. 
The dam betakes herfelf immediately to the bufinefs of a fecond 
brood as foon as fne is diiengaged from her firft; which at once 
aflbciates with the finl broods oihoufe-ynarthis; and with them con- 
gregates, clufterhig on funny roofs, towers, and trees. This 
hirundo brings ovit her fecond brood towards the middle and end 
of Augnjl. 
All the fummer long is the fwallow a moft inftrucT:ive pattern of 
unwearied indufhry and aflcclion ; lor, from morning to night, 
while there is a family to be fupported, fhe fpends t'ne whole day 
in fkimming clofc to the ground, and exerting the moft fudden 
tiirns and quick evolutions. Avenues, and long ivalks under 
Z hedges. 
